Celebrating R. Thomas Flynn

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of
President Emeritus R. Thomas Flynn

With deep sadness, MCC announced the passing of its fourth president, R. Thomas Flynn, on April 10. President Emeritus Flynn began his career with MCC in 1974 as the Vice President of Student Affairs, a role he held until 1994. From 1994 to 1999, he served as Vice President of Student and Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer. In 1999, he was named MCC President. Five years later, in recognition of his 30 years of extraordinary service, MCC passed a resolution designating the campus center on the Brighton Campus as the R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center. President Emeritus Flynn retired as the College's longest-serving officer in 2008.  

Join Us to Remember and Celebrate

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the MCC Theater, with a luncheon to follow at 11:30 a.m. in the R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center Atrium.

Honoring R. Thomas Flynn – RSVP

Portrait of Thomas Flynn

More on President Emeritus R. Thomas Flynn’s Legacy

President Emeritus Flynn's accomplishments paved the way for MCC to be a recognized leader nationally in higher education. Some of his numerous achievements during his tenure include but are not limited to:

  • Continuous enrollment increases.;
  • Spearheading the construction of the PAC Center, MCC's state-of-the-art athletic, fitness, recreational, and educational facility.
  • Establishing the Office of Online Learning, the Student Learning Services Program, and the Homeland Security Management Institute.
  • Launching our dual admission or 2+2 program.
  • The opening of the Richard M. Guon Child Care Center.
  • The building of residence halls for more than 750 students.
  • Forging partnerships with healthcare providers and insurers to expand enrollment in our nursing and radiologic technology programs.
  • Actively securing philanthropic support for the MCC Foundation.

President Emeritus Flynn is survived by his wife, Katie; children, Robert "Robb" Flynn (Julie Groesch) of Texas and Michelle "Shelly" Mayo of Honeoye Falls; grandchildren, Griffin, Eva, Max, and Callen Mayo; siblings Patricia Rigg (Tom Brady) and Richard Flynn (Jani Flynn); and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts can be made in President Emeritus Flynn’s Honor to Monroe Community College by donating online or can be mailed to the MCC Foundation at 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623. All memorial gifts will support the R. Thomas and Kate Flynn Endowed Scholarship for Student Leaders.

Expressions of sympathy for the family can be sent to the MCC Foundation at 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623.

Questions can be directed to the MCC Foundation via email (mccf@monroecc.edu) or at 585.685.6020.